Aspiring medical students across the country dream of clearing the NEET exam, yet only a few manage to succeed among the lakhs of students who attempt it each year. One such remarkable achiever is Kalakar Pradhan, a tribal student from the remote Kandhamal district of Odisha. Despite facing financial constraints and lacking access to basic resources, Kalakar refused to be disheartened. His journey to success in the NEET exam is a testament to his resilience.

While many students rely on coaching, books, and various resources to prepare for this challenging exam, these luxuries were beyond Kalakar’s reach. Instead, he spent his days herding goats and cows, reserving his nights for study. Despite these challenges, he never allowed himself to weaken. His story is one of extraordinary determination and inspiration.

Background

Kalakar Pradhan's family resides in Sabranga, a small village in Odisha's Kandhamal district, and belongs to a tribal community. From a young age, Kalakar faced numerous hardships. After completing his class 12, he returned to his village instead of enrolling in college. His daily routine involved herding goats and cows during the day, and studying for NEET at night. This disciplined schedule continued for several months, laying the foundation for his eventual success.

Kalakar Pradhan attributes much of his success to his father, who played a pivotal role in his educational journey. At the age of six, his father took a significant risk by sending him to a residential school in Bhubaneswar, 250 km away from their village, in the hopes of providing him with a better education. After completing his class 12, Kalakar spent two years preparing for the NEET exam with the help of the internet. While expensive coaching and study materials were beyond his means, he never lost hope. Instead, he made use of free online resources, remaining steadfast in his pursuit of his goal.

NEET success

Kalakar Pradhan cleared the NEET exam on his third attempt, with his performance improving steadily with each try. In his final attempt, he scored 450 marks, earning him a place in the MBBS programme at SCB Medical College, Cuttack. This institution is one of the most prestigious medical colleges in eastern India, marking a significant achievement in Kalakar's journey.